We are just a few days away from the Christian celebration of Christmas—a big deal in many countries, including of course Belgium. And as with so much, this little country does things differently when it celebrates Christmas, from the steaming mugs of gluhkriek handed out in the Grand Place to the ubiquitous tradition of bière de Noël—Christmas beers. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss these wonderful holiday ales and use them as an opportunity to consider the question of spicing in beer. When Americans spice their beers, it can be off-putting, but when Belgians do it, it’s delicious. We’ll examine why.

PHOTO: EVENING STANDARD

When we taste a beer and our brain tells us “chocolate” or “grapefruit,” what’s happening? Flavor is a composite of what our bodies tell us—our hardware, so to speak—and what our brains do in synthesizing that information into meaning—our software. In today's podcast, we take a look at the very complex processes involved in constructing what we call "flavor."

In episode 93 we were delighted to welcome Level Brewing's Jason Barbee. Jason has impressed us with his love of small, simple beers, and especially those from the British tradition. His brewery, Level, is known for smaller, more balanced beers--and of course the occasional hazy IPA or three. We discuss how brewers appeal to drinkers with something like a Vienna lager or mild ale when all they clamor for are IPAs.

PHOTO: THE OUTLOOK

Portland has seen ten brewery closures or sales in the past year--and one was even announced while we were recording this podcast! In Episode 92, Patrick, our resident beeronomist, offers us ways to think about this through the lens of game theory, economies of scope, and more.

In episode 91, we conclude Jeff's travels to Europe with perhaps his most interesting stop. Lithuania has one of the most unusual beer cultures in Europe, one that emerges from the country's similarly unusual history. Jeff and Patrick discuss what makes Lithuania so interesting, and of course taste some of the beer.

In today's episode, we have an interview with UK writer Mark Dredge about his new book: A Brief History of Lager: 500 Years of the World's Favourite Beer. Mark has gone deep and discusses things we didn't know.

Today we are going to continue on with Jeff through his European travels. After he left Belgium, he made stops in Vienna, Krakow (Poland),and Berlin. In pod 89, Jeff will let us know what’s shaking in the lands of maerzen, grodziskie, and Berliner weisse.

Jeff returns from Europe with fantastic and wonderful tales. In today's pod, he describes how Belgian brewers have reacted to the craft beer incursion--by rediscovering their ancient heritage. He discusses the importance of Brasserie de la Senne in this process, and describes the young brewers at Verzet who are reviving oud bruin. All that, and the regular features.

Jeff phones in from Belgium to discuss the adventures he had in the country he just left: England. He discusses the state of heritage brewers, craft brewers and cask ales. Patrick drinks beer.

Jeff travels to Lewes in East Sussex, UK to talk to Head Brewer Miles Jenner of Harvey's. Patrick holds down the fort in Portland and through the miracle of modern technology, they communicate!